How to Appeal to a Specific Webinar Audience

When considering your webinar audience, think of the following example. If you’re older than 25 and recently attended a One Direction concert, you may have realized two things. One, that the band understands how to appeal to their audience, generally made up of young, screaming teenage girls. Two, you are most likely not the intended audience.

So although your little sister, daughter, or other loved one enjoyed the show, you’re simply happy that they’re happy. The moral of the story is that every performer has his audience, and success lies in understanding what they want.

Don’t assume they’re like you: Huh? This applies to so many things, from realizing that your audience probably doesn't understand the subject as well as you do to accepting that they may not share your sense of humor, to a dozen other things. Your views on politics, morals, religion, and other such sentiments should be kept to yourself.

Research the culture: If you know a majority of your audience is from the southwestern part of the country, for example, be sure to tailor the show to them and prepare analogies that make them feel comfortable. Don’t use a lot of analogies about traffic in midtown Manhattan when your audience has never experienced that and can't relate.

Choose topics that you know: There’s a beautiful synergy when you combine your area of expertise with what your audience wants to hear.

Be aware of gestures: They’re often not as universal as you think. Depending on where you are, they mean different things.

For example, giving the OK sign at a seminar in the United States communicates in the affirmative with your fellow Americans. Make that same sign in front of a Brazilian audience, and they will not see it the same way. In their culture, it has the same impact as sticking up your middle finger to a group of Americans.